SESSION SNAPSHOT: Arkansas Legislature Rolls Through Week 4 With Ice And Amendments

Here are some tidbits, highlights, happenings, and odds and ends, as the legislature "rolled through Week 4."

Former Arkansas Legislator Jeremy Hutchinson Sentenced To Nearly Four Years In Federal Prison

Hutchinson, 48, pleaded guilty in three jurisdictions, the report indicates.

Teachers, Students Voice Support For AP African-American Studies Course

Smith said he learned much from his father, “an expert on the Delta” and professor emeritus at Arkansas State University.

“Gutted” Arkansas Bill No Longer Targets Drag Performers Or LGBTQ Community, Activists Say

Activists who have opposed it since it was introduced in January say the heavily amended language no longer targets LGBTQ Arkansans.

Judge Grants Request To Freeze Assets, Name Receiver For Little Rock Apartments

A circuit judge issued a temporary restraining order designed to protect tenants, the report indicates.

UAMS Researchers Test App Designed To Prevent Opioid Use Relapse

It's supported by a $2.8 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with a research team testing the effectiveness.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Will Deliver GOP Response To Biden State Of The Union Address

President Biden, for his speech, is expected to highlight the accomplishments by Democrats during his term thus far.

Arkansas Bill, Which Would Create Holocaust Education Week, Headed To House For A Vote

If approved, the state Board of Education would be required to notify public schools annually of the dates, according to the report.

Arkansas Child And Family Advocacy Group Names New Executive Director

The new executive director, from the Department of Human Services, is Keesa Smith, the report indicates.

Arkansas Attorney General Seeks Receiver In Case Against Little Rock Housing Complex

Attorney General Griffin sent a request Wednesday for the court to allow his office and Big Country Chateau three days to reach agreement.

State Medical Cannabis Programs Failing To Make Progress, Advocacy Group Finds; Arkansas? A D+ Grade

The organization Americans for Safe Access, a nonprofit, has put out the document to advocates and state policymakers.

Arkansas Senate Approves Bill Requiring Pornography Sites To Verify Age

It defines “material harmful to minors” as material that's designed to appeal, or pander, to “prurient interests,” or, overtly sexual.

In Ark., Higher Education Free Expression Bill Halted In Committee

“The intent of the bill is to allow students to be expressive, and we're seeing a lot of bills now that seek to restrict" -- Sen. Sullivan

Two Bills, Continuing To Attack The LGBTQ+ Community, Move Forward In Arkansas Legislature

The report indicates activists believe these laws discriminate against the LGBTQ+ population of Arkansas.

Proposed Work Requirement For Federal Housing Assistance Advances In Arkansas House

It passed on a split vote, after state lawmakers and witnesses debated the legality of the proposal and the feasibility of implementing it.

Arkansas Bill Restricting School Bathroom Use Heads To House For Approval

The legislation apparently veils what is yet another attack from the South on the LGBTQ+ community.

Proposed Bill Would Require Age Verification On Pornography Websites

Adult-oriented businesses are regulated with an age verification process, and that same standard must be applied to online matters.

Arkansas Senate Panel Recommends Ending State Affirmative Action

The public was "left in the dark" regarding this proposal, the report states.

Arkansas Republicans "Continue Their Assault On Affirmative Action"

The Republican Dan Sullivan offered doublespeak, the report states, "that George Orwell would have recognized."

Arkansas's Westerman Appointed As New U.S. House Natural Resources Chair

The incoming chairman of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee wants to allow more mining, and believes in technology, not limitations.

Bill To Prohibit LGBTQ “Panic Defense” Tabled In Arkansas Senate Committee

Senate Minority Whip Chesterfield (D-Little Rock) said her background informed her, as it is another setback for the LGBTQ community.

Migration To Northwest Ark., Fueled The State's Population Growth In 2022

The Tennessee State University graduate joined the Arkansas retail giant nearly a decade ago; she left during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session Snapshot: Drag Queens, Snow, Masks, And Education At The Arkansas State Capitol

Included here are some of the highlights and various topics of the 94th General Assembly.

Arkansas Lawmakers To Consider Increasing Homestead Tax Credit

A key question, the report asks, is, by how much?

Arkansas Supreme Court Reverses Ruling That Struck State Law Banning Mask Mandates

The order tossed out a 2021 ruling, according to the report.

Democrats File Legislation To Increase Pay For Arkansas Teachers, School Staff

Sponsored by House Minority Leader Rep. Tippi McCullough (D-Little Rock), it calls for an immediate $10,000 raise for full-time teachers.

Arkansas House Committee Hears Legislation Restricting School Bathroom Use

It singles out transgender and gender-nonconforming youth, and forces them to come out at school whether or not they want to do so.

Apartment Tenants Plead For Help Over Unsafe Conditions, Pending Utility Cutoffs

The report indicates the power to the 151-unit complex is expected to be cut off Feb. 6.

Health And Safety Risks At Little Rock House Persist, Tenant Says

The house itself is no longer livable because of nonworking drains and faucets, a broken water heater, and holes in the walls and ceilings.

Wastewater Bill Exempts Some Arkansas POAs/HOAs From Wastewater Trust Fund

This amends the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act to create an exemption for property owners' associations.

Arkansas House Approves Bill To Increase Vehicle Registration Deadline From 30 To 60 Days

It is expected to cost the state $100,000 to implement the change, the report states.

Two Crawford County Deputies In Viral Arrest Beating Video Arrested On Federal Charges

Sheriff's deputies Levi White and Zack King were taken into custody Tuesday following a federal investigation, reports stated.

Anti-Drag Legislation Passes Arkansas Senate In 29-6 Party-Line Vote

It defines a “drag performance” as one person “exhibit[ing] a gender identity that is different from the performer's assigned gender.

Committee Approves Education Bills Addressing School Choice, GED Merit

Under current law, if the school district line cuts through a home, where the majority of the house sits determines the required district.

Arkansas Schools Would Observe Holocaust Education Week, If Bill Becomes Law

Sponsored by Sen. Dotson, it amends state law that requires Holocaust education to designate Holocaust Education Week in January.

Executive Order Further Delays ARPA Funds Distribution

The order issued by Sanders abolished the ARPA Steering Committee and the Governor's Infrastructure Planning Advisory Committee.

Arkansas House Passes Law To Expand Eligibility For Disabled Veteran License Plates

The report states the bill passed without dissent.

SESSION SNAPSHOT: Culture Wars And The First Bills Of The Arkansas Legislative Session

Herein are all the notes and tidbits, odds and ends, some viewpoints, on the session.

Arkansas Legislation Restricting School Restroom Use Mimics Conway Policy

This would apply to multiple-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms, as well as rooms for students on overnight trips.

Arkansas Governor, School Choice Supporters Rally At Capitol

“This is not about school choice,” Sanders said. “This is about parental choice.”